Canada's first build-your-own-pho restaurant coming to Toronto

In Toronto, we've had build-your-own burritos and build-your-own sandwiches for years, but build-your-own bowls of pho? That's a first not only for the city, but for all of Canada.

And it's a first that's materializing in downtown Toronto sooner rather than later, with the introduction of the first-of-its-kind concept, Renso Pho-Potle.

Think of it like the Chipotle of pho (which is, ostensibly, where the name came from): a fast-service spot where diners can assemble their dream bowl of pho from the broth right up to the toppings. Given the city's affinity for pho and the popularity of other build-your-own concepts, it feels like a no-brainer.

In terms of execution, Renso Pho-Potle is in good hands. Helmed by Renso Foods, a female-founded exporter of Vietnamese foods across 49 countries that's been in business for nearly 30 years, who better to stock an ingredient-forward restaurant concept?

"We saw an opportunity to bring something new to Canada, taking a dish people already love and making it more accessible, customizable and fast," says Renso Pho-Potle founder Linda Vu.

At the restaurant, diners will be able to choose between traditional broth-based pho and "dry" (brothless) pho before customizing every element of the dish — the broth, protein, rice and toppings — for the pho of your dreams.

Along with steaming bowls of noodles and broth, the menu will also feature a selection of other Vietnamese treats, like fresh rice paper rolls and shrimp fritters.

"We've worked carefully to honour the flavours that make pho so distinctive, while adapting them into a format that fits modern lifestyles," says Chef Bich Nguyen. "It's about balancing the integrity of the ingredients while making the experience simple and engaging for guests."

Renso Pho-Potle will be located at 506 Queen St. W. and is slated to open in late August 2026.